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DOE OSTI2020

QUIC-Fire: 3D Fire-Atmosphere Feedback Model for Wildland Fire Management

Los Alamos National Laboratory, U.S. Forest Service, and Tall Timbers Research Station developed QUIC-Fire, the first laptop-capable, real-time wildland fire prediction software that captures the critical influences of 3D vegetation structure, interactions between multiple fires, variable winds, and complex topography at meter-scale resolutions. Prescribed burns are needed to prevent catastrophic wildfires in the U.S. QUIC-Fire transforms a prescribed fire manager’s ability to assess risk, optimize fuel treatments, and plan prescribed burns. Los Alamos, U.S. Forest Service, Tall Timbers Research Station, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Spatial Information Group, and Applied Interagency Prescribed Training Center have used QUIC-Fire.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1984

Study of flywheel energy storage for space stations

The potential of flywheel systems for space stations using the Space Operations Center (SOC) as a point of reference is discussed. Comparisons with batteries and regenerative fuel cells are made. In the flywheel energy storage concept, energy is stored in the form of rotational kinetic energy using a spinning wheel. Energy is extracted from the flywheel using an attached electrical generator; energy is provided to spin the flywheel by a motor, which operates during sunlight using solar array power. The motor and the generator may or may not be the same device. Flywheel energy storage systems have a very good potential for use in space stations. This system can be superior to alkaline secondary batteries and regenerable fuel cells in most of the areas that are important in spacecraft applications. Of special impotance relative to batteries, are high energy density (lighter weight), longer cycle and operating life, and high efficiency which minimizes the amount of orbital makeup fuel required. In addition, flywheel systems have a long shelf life, give a precise state of charge indication, have modest thermal control needs, are capable of multiple discharges per orbit, have simple ground handling needs, and have the potential for very high discharge rate. Major disadvantages are noted.

Gross, S.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Hydrogen Infrastructure Analysis for the Port Applications [Slides]

The International Maritime Organization has committed to 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050 worldwide as of 2023. This analysis includes performing an inventory and modeling efforts to understand the energy, equipment and cost requirements to support decarbonization of cargo handling and shore power at U.S. Ports, along with assessment of zero- and near- zero emission fuel supplies at or near U.S. ports focused upon Hydrogen technologies. Initial market assessment for ocean going vessels for harbor support and ocean-going vessels is explored. An energy analysis is performed on the port system using a holistic approach and considering the port as an entire ecosystem that functions as a transportation and energy node. Presently, a comprehensive view is lacking for future analysis efforts, this analysis seeks to address this gap in data by evaluating four representative port types and the potential for utilizing hydrogen for the maritime industry. Every port is different, but broadly they could be bracketed into reference cases with scaling factors for the relative size of the port operations. These reference ports are for future use, potentially as baselines for analysis and development of demonstration programs. An equipment inventory for each reference port type (container, bulk, breakbulk, and inland waterway) is presented. A comparative analysis of fuel cell electric and battery electric equipment is conducted based on the following criteria: technology readiness level, refueling/charging time, operational range, energy consumption, and fuel cost savings compared to baseline internal combustion engine equipment. The tradeoffs and synergies between two alternative powertrains is highlighted. Based on energy and infrastructure analysis, average and high equipment utilization profiles across different port types is identified and quantified baseline fuel and electricity demand for various decarbonization scenarios. Based on the portfolio of equipment converted to fuel cell electric, the estimates of initial capital investment are provided for hydrogen refueling stations across ports. An energy demand model is developed that predicts well the all-electric cargo handling equipment annual energy consumption for ports with annual tonnage under 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The model is a good rubric to follow for further energy demand models that can create a scalable solution to understand the energy needs of cargo handling equipment, whether they are all-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, or powered by another fuel-type. Zero and near-zero emission fuel supply at ports is evaluated looking into the characteristics of hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol as an alternative fuel, as well as the bunkering status. The readiness of reference ports to produce ammonia or methanol and bunker the fuel is examined based on the framework developed by the Global Maritime Forum and Rocky Mountain Institute.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2022

Combined TREAT-LOC and SATS LOCA Experiment Plan: Integral LOCA Experiments on High-Burnup Fuels

The Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) loss-of-coolant (LOC) and high-burnup (HBu) experiment series, along with the Severe Accident Test Station (SATS) HBu experiment series, are integral LOC accident (LOCA) experiments planned under the DOE AFC program, which aim to support burnup extension needs by addressing identified R&D priorities in order to achieve an improved understanding of fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal (FFRD) of HBu fuel during LOCA events. The data produced under this plan will be used to further validate and confirm existing models and inform future R&D and model development. The experimental program has been specifically designed to address knowledge gaps and opportunities identified through a detailed review of existing public knowledge on LOCA FFRD. The test program employs a unique combination of in- and out-of-pile experimental approaches and state-of-the-art facilities to provide a clear connection to the existing integral and semi-integral LOCA experiment database. The primary goal of the program is to investigate the impact of prototypic HBu fuel/cladding thermomechanical behaviors under postulated LWR LOCA conditions that have not yet been fully studied. These conditions correspond with prototypic decay-energy heatup (DEH) and stored-energy heatup (SEH) conditions. Importantly, TREAT’s unique capability will enable the first evaluation of the impact of SEH conditions on HBu fuels. The test program will emphasize the development of an improved mechanistic understanding of key experimental phenomena through independent experimental systems, development of a database to support fuel performance modeling tools and employing world-leading advanced materials characterization and in-situ diagnostics to evaluate FFRD. The results of the program will provide novel data to support modeling development and validation and will represent a significant advancement in evaluating prototypic conditions, as well as to inform the technical basis for LOCA-induced FFRD.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2025

3D printing of packaging inserts from biomass-fungi composites: Environmental sustainability analysis

In this study, a comprehensive Life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted on molded packaging inserts from expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, molded packaging inserts from biomass-fungi composite, and 3D-printed packaging inserts from biomass-fungi composite under the low mix / high volume (LMHV) scenario and molded and machined packaging inserts from EPS foam, molded and machined packaging inserts from biomass-fungi composite, and 3D-printed packaging inserts from biomass-fungi composite under the high mix / low volume (HMLV) scenario. Six environmental impact categories—climate change, acidification, eutrophication, fossil resource scarcity, land use, and water consumption—are analyzed to evaluate the environmental trade-offs associated with each type of packaging inserts. Under the LMHV scenario, molded packaging inserts from biomass-fungi composite emerge as the best option due to their lower impact on climate change, acidification and water consumption compared to other types of packaging inserts. Conversely, molded packaging inserts from biomass-fungi composite face challenges in land use and eutrophication, primarily due to raw material production. LCA also reveals that 3D-printed packaging inserts from biomass-fungi composite are the most environmentally favorable option under the HMLV scenario, due to significantly lower contributions to climate change, eutrophication, and water consumption compared to other types of packaging inserts. Conversely, 3D-printed packaging inserts from biomass-fungi composite face challenges in acidification and land use, primarily due to raw material production. As part of the LCA, sensitivity analyses show that sourcing energy from 100% renewable sources substantially lowers climate change impacts across all packaging types, while varying transportation distances results in only minor changes, indicating the dominant role of upstream material and manufacturing processes. Additional sensitivity analysis is conducted under the HMLV scenario to assess the impact of material removal during machining on the environment. The amount of material removal is varied from 10 to 70% for the sensitivity analysis and it highlights that the amount of material removed during machining has no significant impact on climate change for packaging inserts from EPS foam. However, molded and machined packaging inserts from biomass-fungi composite show an increasing trend in climate change with higher amount of material removal, while 3D-printed packaging inserts from biomass-fungi composite exhibit a decreasing trend, driven by reduced raw material usage and energy consumption.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Evaluating transient fission gas release in high burnup light water reactor fuel during loss of coolant accident conditions via new capabilities

In this work, the role of transient fission gas release (tFGR) in the cladding burst behavior of high burnup fuel during a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) in commercial light water reactors was further investigated via the use of a new apparatus. During the LOCA-related temperature ramps of high burnup fuel, the release of fission gases exceeds the steady-state release observed under normal operating conditions. An enhancement was made to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Severe Accident Test Station (SATS) to probe the various factors influencing tFGR. Experiments were performed on commercially irradiated, zirconium-clad uranium dioxide fuel, and this paper details the design of the experimental setup, the initial test results, and the subsequent post-test analyses. Notably, the first test on high burnup fuel demonstrated a LOCA-relevant tFGR of 5.3% from an unpressurized fuel segment. The ultimate tFGR was 10.7% for beyond LOCA conditions. A follow-up test on similar fuel revealed a tFGR of 12.6% under comparable conditions. Microstructural analysis and an analysis of the released gas provide some insight regarding the source of tFGR in the fuel. Finally, a grain boundary bubble model may aid in the interpretation of the results and offer a guide for future work.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Electric Vehicle Charging Analytics and Reporting Tool (EV-ChART): Data Format and Preparation Guidance (V.5.0)

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation maintains the Electric Vehicle Charging Analytics and Reporting Tool (EV-ChART), which provides a centralized hub for submitting electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure data directed by the Federal Highway Administration (23 CFR 680.112(a)-(c)). EV-ChART provides a streamlined data submission process and an integrated set of analytic tools, connects to other data sources, and empowers data sharing and access across stakeholders, including the public. Any data shared publicly will be aggregated and anonymized to stay in accordance with 23 CFR 680. This EV-ChART Data Format and Preparation Guidance provides a comprehensive overview of the data reporting requirements as authorized under 23 CFR 680.112(a)-(c)). The guidance is intended to be used alongside the EV-ChART Data Input Template, which defines the tabular data structure that these data submissions must follow. Per 23 CFR 680.112(a)-(c), the annual and quarterly data submissions are required of all National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program projects, as well as projects for the construction of publicly accessible EV chargers that are funded with funds made available under Title 23, United States Code, including any EV charging infrastructure project funded with federal funds that is treated as a project on a federal-aid highway. One-time data submissions are required of both the NEVI Formula Program projects and grants awarded under 23 U.S.C. 151(f) for projects that are for EV charging stations located along and designed to serve the users of designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). Other information and data required in 23 CFR 680, such as 23 CFR 680.112(d), 23 CFR 680.116(c), and 23 CFR 680.106(a), are not discussed in this guidance.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

NASA NTRS1975

International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite mission analysis

The results are presented of the mission analysis performed by Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) in support of the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite. The launch window is open for three separate periods (for a total time of 7 months) during the year extending from July 20, 1977, to July 20, 1978. The synchronous orbit shadow constraint limits the launch window to approximately 88 minutes per day. Apogee boost motor fuel was computed to be 455 pounds (206 kilograms) and on-station weight was 931 pounds (422 kilograms). The target orbit is elliptical synchronous, with eccentricity 0.272 and 24 hour period.

Cook, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Comparative health and safety assessment of the SPS and alternative electrical generation systems

A comparative analysis of health and safety risks is presented for the Satellite Power System and five alternative baseload electrical generation systems: a low-Btu coal gasification system with an open-cycle gas turbine combined with a steam topping cycle; a light water fission reactor system without fuel reprocessing; a liquid metal fast breeder fission reactor system; a central station terrestrial photovoltaic system; and a first generation fusion system with magnetic confinement. For comparison, risk from a decentralized roof-top photovoltaic system with battery storage is also evaluated. Quantified estimates of public and occupational risks within ranges of uncertainty were developed for each phase of the energy system. The potential significance of related major health and safety issues that remain unquantitied are also discussed.

Habegger, L. J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Manned Mars mission on-orbit operations FTS capabilities assessment

This document presents an overview of the characteristics and capabilities of the flight telerobotic servicer (FTS), under development at GSFC at the time the report was prepared; the project has since been cancelled. The assessment was directed toward developing the FTS to enable assembly and servicing of the Mars vehicle at the space station; facilitate rendezvous, docking, and fluid transfer operations involving the Mars vehicle fuel tank; to perform strip-mining operations on the lunar/martian surfaces; and to construct a three-story shelter on the martian surface. The report considers the FTS' mechanical, electrical, thermal, and operational subsystems, as well as its proposed manipulator capabilities.

Gallo, Frank G.↗

NASA NTRS2006

International Space Station (ISS) Water Transfer Hardware Logistics

Water transferred from the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station (ISS) is generated as a by-product from the Shuttle fuel cells, and is generally preferred over the Progress which has to launch water from the ground. However, launch mass and volume are still required for the transfer and storage hardware. Some of these up-mass requirements have been reduced since ISS assembly began due to changes in the storage hardware (CWC). This paper analyzes the launch mass and volume required to transfer water from the Shuttle and analyzes the up-mass savings due to modifications in the CWC. Suggestions for improving the launch mass and volume are also provided.

Shkedi, Brienne D.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Robotic Refueling Mission-3 An Overview

Robotic Refueling Mission-3 (RRM3) is an external payload on the International Space Station (ISS) to demonstrate the techniques for storing and transferring a cryogenic fuel on orbit. RRM3 was designed and built at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC). Initial testing was performed at GSFC using liquid nitrogen and liquid argon. Final testing and flight fill of methane was performed at the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to take advantage of KSC's facilities and expertise for handling a combustible cryogen.

Robotic Transfer↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Effects of Ambient Inert Gas Properties on Cool-Flame Combustion of Normal-Alkane Droplets in Microgravity

Cool-flame-supported quasi-steady droplet combustion was first observed during droplet combustion experiments conducted onboard the International Space Station (ISS) in the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) with n-alkane fuels. These cool flames, not visible to the naked eye, result from the existence of the negative-temperature-coefficient (NTC) region during the combustion n-alkane fuels when the chemical-kinetic pathways experience a transition from the low-temperature chemistry to the normal, high-temperature-controlled chemistry. In this study, we present results for the cool-flame-supported droplet burning rates and extinction diameters for n-alkane fuels (n-heptane, n-octane, n-decane, and n-dodecane) in inert-diluent-substituted ambient environments. In these ISS experiments, some of the nitrogen in the ambient gas mixture is replaced by an inert gas, namely, carbon dioxide, helium, or xenon. Different diluents were observed to exert remarkably different influences on the cool-flame combustion of fuel droplets. The results show that the cool-flame extinction diameter is drastically increased with helium dilution compared to N2, CO2 or Xe, and Xe dilution leads to longer burning with a smaller extinction diameter. Unlike hot flames, the cool-flame burning rates are controlled by the cool-flame temperature established in the NTC region by the chemical kinetics, rather than by equilibrium thermodynamics, and the thermo-physical properties of the ambient gases, which control the heat feed back to the liquid droplet. The cool-flame extinction is triggered by the instability that occurs at the low-temperature end of the NTC region, below which cool diffusion flames become statically unstable. A quasi-steady theoretical model, presented earlier, which involves a six-step reduced-chemistry mechanism, valid around the lower end of the NTC region, is shown to explain the observed experimental trends qualitatively.

microgravity↗

DOE OSTI2023

HeatMap

SAND2021-14230 O HeatMap generates geospatial wildfire fuel models by applying machine learning algorithms to satellite imagery and weather station data. The code then leverages wildfire behavior software FlamMap to determine fire spread. It also uses PSLF software to model grid impacts and display data analytics for grid components that have been impacted by wildfire. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Danford, Forest↗

NASA NTRS1991

A minimum propellant solution to an orbit-to-orbit transfer using a low thrust propulsion system

The Space Exploration Initiative is considering the use of low thrust (nuclear electric, solar electric) and intermediate thrust (nuclear thermal) propulsion systems for transfer to Mars and back. Due to the duration of such a mission, a low thrust minimum-fuel solution is of interest; a savings of fuel can be substantial if the propulsion system is allowed to be turned off and back on. This switching of the propulsion system helps distinguish the minimal-fuel problem from the well-known minimum-time problem. Optimal orbit transfers are also of interest to the development of a guidance system for orbital maneuvering vehicles which will be needed, for example, to deliver cargoes to the Space Station Freedom. The problem of optimizing trajectories for an orbit-to-orbit transfer with minimum-fuel expenditure using a low thrust propulsion system is addressed.

Cobb, Shannon S.↗

NASA NTRS1959

A Combined Water-Bromotrifluoromethane Crash-Fire Protection System for a T-56 Turbopropeller Engine

A crash-fire protection system is described which will suppress the ignition of crash-spilled fuel that may be ingested by a T-56 turbo-propeller engine. This system includes means for rapidly extinguishing the combustor flame, means for cooling and inerting with water the hot engine parts likely to ignite engine ingested fuel, and means for blanketing with bromotrifluoromethane massive metal parts that may reheat after the engine stops rotating. Combustion-chamber flames were rapidly extinguished at the engine fuel nozzles by a fuel shutoff and drain valve. Hot engine parts were inerted and cooled by 42 pounds of water discharged at seven engine stations. Massive metal parts that could reheat were inerted with 10 pounds of bromotrifluoromethane discharged at two engine stations. Performance trials of the crash-fire protection system were conducted by bringing the engine up to takeoff temperature, actuating the crash-fire protection system, and then spraying fuel into the engine to simulate crash-ingested fuel. No fires occurred during these trials, although fuel was sprayed into the engine from 0.3 second to 15 minutes after actuating the crash-fire protection system.

Campbell, John A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Space station needs, attributes and architectural options study review report

A manned space station (SS) produces a significant net economic benefit over its cost, as well as providing substantial social and performance benefits. The largest space station benefits arise from the ability of the SS to warehouse parts, orbit replacement units (ORUs) and fuel and thereby increase the Space Transportation System (STS) load factor. Substantial other benefits are made possibly by the basing of a returnable orbital transfer vehicles (ROTV) and the servicing of geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellites at the SS. It is recommended that a manned space station be placed in a 28.5 degree inclination orbit in 1990. This SS can be designed to grow, to be maintained and to incorporate new technology as it becomes available. It should be augmented with unmanned space platforms at both 28.5 degree and polar inclinations. These platforms are designed to have very high commonality with the SS resource models.

Source record↗

DOE OSTI2023

Public EV Charging Station Site Selection Checklist

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) provides technical assistance on planning and implementation of a national network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and zero-emission fueling infrastructure, as well as zero-emission transit and school buses. There are several considerations that should be addressed when selecting a site for EV charging stations. The following is a checklist to assist with site selection for publicly available EV charging stations.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗